How to avoid false alarms

What is a false alarm? A false alarm happens when a signal sent to the central station from a security system does not signal an actual emergency! A false alarm can happen to anyone and it can be caused by a number of things like a malfunction in the security system or you could set it off accidently, luckily there are a few easy steps everyone can take to help prevent false alarms:

Get familiar with the security system
Make sure to schedule a short familiarization period when you install the security system, this will let you ensure that the system is working properly.

Make sure everyone knows how to use the system
Everyone who has permission to be in your home should be trained on how to use the system, this includes family member, relatives, babysitters, cleaners etc.

Debrief with everyone after a false alarm happens
Odds are you will experience at least one false alarm , when this happens it is important that you take the time to identify what triggered the system so you can prevent false alarms in the future.

Ensure your security system is functioning properly
Contact your security provider if you suspect your security system might not be working properly; they can perform some tests to see if the system is working right.

Maintain your alarm system
Spider webs, dust, loosened detectors and sensors can all cause false alarms, regular maintenance and inspecting prevents false alarms from happening.

Secure all points
Before you leave you property it is a good idea for you to check that all your windows and doors are tightly closed, especially on windy days when they can blow open and trigger the alarm.

A security system is a valuable addition to any home, it offers you as a home owner peace of mind , but the downfall is that false alarms can distract our emergency services from actual emergencies, so consider these ways to reduce the risk of false alarms.

 For a professional security system you can trust, contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services, they pride themselves on making sure your home or business is safe and secure.

Written By; Christine Romans

What will home security be like 100 years from now?

Have you ever wanted to see the future? For years people have tried to guess what will happen in their lives years from now, but what will our home security be like in the future? There are a few obvious trends that have been occurring these days that you’re probably getting excited about, here are a few things that you might be seeing in your home and security system in the next 100 years:

      ·         Complete Automation
In the future its quite predictable that computers will become much smarter and much more in tuned with the daily things we do, in 100 years don’t ever expect to flip a light switch or turn on your coffee machine because your home automation system will probably be able to anticipate your needs and activate any piece of your home.

      ·         Health Tracking
You've probably already seen people wearing fitness trackers while they jog or workout, in the future a lot more people will be using these! Your fitness tracker will be able to tell you exactly what you need and when you need it plus it will be connected to your home automation system.

      ·         Anticipate Everything
Being prepared will be easy in the future because of devices, computers and the internet becoming more connected. These days home security systems can already warn you of weather alerts and emergencies, 100 years from now you’ll know what’s coming days or weeks in advance.

      ·         Facial Recognition
Imagine if facial recognition could be built into our home security systems, everyone has already heard about it in movies and Facebook so in the near future you could be watching TV on your couch and be able to tell you is at your door without even getting up.

      ·         Robots and Maids
This may sound a bit far-fetched to you now, but in the future its highly likely that your home will be taken care of by automatic systems and robots, just like in many movies. An automatic vacuum that makes its way around your house cleaning the floors has already been invented, so who’s to say it’s not possible!

The future is unknown and it can hold many surprises for us, you can’t say for sure what new devices, technology and security systems will be introduced, but whatever comes it’s important that it’s a part of making our lives a lot more secure and safe.

For a reliable, professional home security system in this day and age, contact SIS – Security & Investigation Services, they pride themselves in protecting your home or business.

Written By: Christine Romans

6 tips to make sure your garage is secure

When you think about home security, your garage probably hasn't even crossed your mind; this could cause a problem for you and your loved ones because facts show that the garage is one of the biggest home security vulnerability areas. You may keep certain items inside your garage like power tools, lawnmowers and of course your precious car!

Once the burglars have gotten into your garage, it’s so much easier for them to access the rest of your home. Try these tips to protect yourself and secure your garage.

Install a security system
The best line of defense is to install a security system in your garage that links up to your home security system, that way if anyone tries to enter through your garage the alarm will sound and alert the security company.
When it comes to choosing the right security company, there are a lot of things to consider, contact SIS – Security & Investigation Services and they can provide you with all your security needs.

Keep your windows covered
Always keep your garage windows covered with curtains or blinds, you don’t want potential burglars to be able to see inside and see valuable items they can steal.

Upgrade to motion detector lights
It’s a good idea to upgrade your lights in and around your garage to motion detector lights, when they detect moving objects  the light will turn on and stay on for some time, this can scare away any burglars that prefer to stay hidden in the darkness.

Secure the garage door
If you have a door that leads from the garage into your house, it should be as secure as all the other external doors on your house, you want to stop any intruders that have entered your garage from making it into the rest of your house. Make sure it is fit with a lock and made of a sturdy material.

Don’t leave your garage remote in the car
Never leave your garage remote opener in your car, this gives a burglar easy access to your garage, whether you are parked in your garage, at the office or in your driveway for the night. Rather take your remote inside your home with you and keep it in a safe place.

Use timers
Forgetting to close the garage can happen to anyone, you may be in a rush or the kids just forgot to push the button again, but when your garage is open its like basically inviting burglars to come inside. If you have a habit of leaving the garage door open invest in a timer that signals your garage door to close after a set amount of time.

Don’t ever forget that your garage is also an easy entry point for burglars, you need to keep it locked and secure at all times to protect yourself and your loved ones, fortunately these tips can help keep your garage safe and secure   

Written By: Christine Romans

Why a security system is cheaper than a burglary

Is the reason you don’t have a home security system because you think it’s way too expensive?  You’d be surprised that it’s more affordable than you may think and it significantly reduces the chances of your home being broken into. Consider these good reasons why investing in a home security system is so much cheaper than suffering financially and emotionally after a burglary.

   

  o   Improving your Odds
Weigh the cost of a security system against the cost of a burglary, odds are that every 1 in 3 homes without a security system will get broken into, so a home security system is a smart investment.

  o   Avoid Property Damage
Almost 100% of burglaries happen by force, like smashing a window or breaking in a door, this means that not only do you have to pay for stolen goods but also for property damage.

  o   Wireless Protection
With a wireless system no holes are drilled and it’s easy to pack up and move, not only that but it can’t be disarmed by cutting telephone or alarm wires.

  o   Future Prevention
It’s very common for a burglar to target a home more than once, if you've already been a victim of a break-in it’s definitely a good idea to install a security system so the burglars don’t return and cost you more expenses.

  o    Replacing Property
Only about 13% of burglaries are solved by the police and there’s even less of a chance of you getting your stuff back. The cost of replacing your expensive jewelry, appliances or laptops will cost more than just paying for a home security system for one year.

  o    Safety
It’s quite hard to put a price tag on a burglary because it can really devastate you emotionally and physically, in some break-ins the burglars may use violence so you’ll also be faced with medical bills.

  o   Help Save your Life
Keep in mind that a home security system can also protect you from dangerous hazards like fires and flooding, which can help protect you and
your loved ones.

  o   Cost of Loss
Depending on the area you live in, there is a chance your home could be burglarized, home security system prices are all different, but it will cost
much less than the average burglary.

It is confirmed that the cost of a home security system is far less compared to the emotional and financial trauma caused by a burglary; it’s time for you to protect yourself and your family and installing a home security system is by far the best option.

SIS – Security and Investigation Services is here to help you, they offer a variety of different services such as general guarding, CCTV off site monitoring and technical services, contact them for maximum protection.

Written By: Christine Romans

The security guide for apartment renters

As an apartment renter your security concerns are different, you live very close to other people and there is probably a lot of foot traffic in and out of your complex, these could mean your apartment could have a higher risk of being burgled.

Before you decide on your new home, it is important to think about security, consider these tips and suggestions for keeping your apartment safe after you've signed the lease.

- Research Local Crime -

Before you decide you've found your dream home always check the local crime rate in the area, make sure you know about any burglaries or other criminal activities before you commit to a lease. Talk to the previous tenant, landlord or neighbours to get an honest picture.

- Test Lighting -

Burglars prefer to sneak around in the dark, so when choosing an apartment check the entrances, hallways, parking areas, laundry room etc. to make sure there is enough lighting at night, the more light the safer you’ll be.

- Observe General Upkeep - 

Take a general look at the place, are there any broken windows, cracked walls or is the garden overgrown? Chances are if the landlord isn’t bothered about basic maintenance, they won’t be bothered about security.

- Check Apartment Entrances - 

Many times in an apartment complex the door or gate will require a code, key or buzz-in to get inside, when choosing a place always consider these things first, this way you can control who comes to your door reducing break-ins and criminal activities.

- Get New Door Locks -

Replacing your door locks can prevent unwanted persons from being able to access your place, many landlords say they’ve replaced the locks, but they don’t and the previous tenant’s keys are not always returned. Don’t take the risk of previous tenants coming back to your apartment with an old key.

 - Examine Window Locks - 

When viewing an apartment, always examine the window locks, especially if the apartment is on the ground level. Check and make sure the window locks are working properly and cannot be manipulated from the outside.

When you’re renting an apartment you need to take your safety and security into your own hands, work with your landlord to make sure your residence is secure, don’t let them dictate the safety of your apartment.

For professional security services, contact SIS – Security Investigation Services, they specialize in all facets of investigation and offer quality property security solutions to residential and corporate markets.

Written By: Christine Romans

Gun ownership: Is it a good idea for home security?

All around the world there is an increasing amount of gun owners all around the world, there are millions of registered gun owners these days and its likely a lot more people have unregistered guns. Keeping a gun in your home is a very complex issue, it could be a life-saver or it could bring harm rather than protect you and your family. In order to decide whether having a gun is impractical or essential for your safety you need to know the pros and cons.

PROS

As long as you take the proper precautions like storing your gun properly, owning a gun could be quite beneficial. One major benefit of owning a gun is the real sense of security and protection that it gives you, you know that if you have a gun you have a way to protect yourself if someone breaks in to your home. Many potential burglars will be scared away just by the very sight of your gun, giving you the opportunity to protect yourself and your loved ones.

CONS

There are obviously some disadvantages about owning a gun, even if your gun is locked away there is still a chance that a child could get a hold of your gun and accidentally hurt someone. If you have a gun in your home there is also the risk that you could possibly hurt a friend, neighbour or family member by accident, guns kept inside homes are also often used in suicide. You need to think about these risks before your decide to keep a gun in your home.

You need to carefully think about the pros and cons of owning a gun, it is a personal decision that you need to make based on what is best for yourself and your family.

Do you own a gun and do you feel safe? If not SIS – Security Investigation Systems is here to help you and your family out, they can make sure you are 100% protected.  

Written by: Christine Romans

How to tell if your locks have been tampered with

Burglars are crafty, they will try a number of different methods to try break into your home, including picking your lock. There are some specific signs you can look out for so you can take the right measures and prevent burglars from breaking in.

If you ever suspect that someone has broken into your home or even tried the first thing you should do is remain calm and assess the situation, always look for evidence like; is anything moved, broken or missing? If you discover anything make sure to report to the police immediately, however it might help to know the main ways burglars will try to break into your home.

1. Brute Force
Often an intruder will try a quick, messy way of breaking in – bashing in a lock, drilling through a deadlock or kicking down a door.
Signs of brute force:    - Paint circles from lock fixture movement
                                     - Bent deadbolts and latches
                                     - Warped doors

2. Bumping
Bumping is a secretive technique locksmiths use to open locks in a hurry, since the process has been revealed burglars have been using it to break in. If bumping is done correctly it will leave almost no trace.
Signs of bumping:   - Nicks around the edge of the keyhole
                                 - Shiny metal edges that look they they've been hit recently

3. Picking
The most common method of tampering is picking, it takes more time and expertise than bumping, but it is unlikely to leave any trace.
Signs of picking:   - Tiny scratch marks
                               - Fresh shiny metal showing around the keyhole

One of the best ways to deal with lock tampering is to upgrade your locks or change them to mechanical locks. If the intruders use brute force entry, changing the locks might not be as helpful, instead you might want to consider a home security system like SIS – Security Investigation Services.

Written By: Christine Romans